For Harry Redknapp, horse racing is much more than a celebrity hobby. His interest in racing began during childhood in London’s East End, influenced by his grandmother, Maggie Brown, who worked as a bookmaker’s runner when off-course betting was illegal. That early fascination eventually developed into decades of involvement as a racehorse owner.

Today, searches for Harry Redknapp horses are increasingly associated with some notable names in British National Hunt racing, particularly The Jukebox Man and Shakem Up’Arry. Redknapp’s ownership journey has included major wins, disappointing days and a growing involvement with trainers, jockeys and racing yards.

This guide explains Redknapp’s connection with racing, highlights some of his best-known horses and looks at why his racing career has become an important part of his life after football.

Key Takeaways

• Harry Redknapp developed a passion for horse racing as a child through his grandmother.
• He has been involved in racehorse ownership for decades, beginning with horses including Slick Cherry.
• Shakem Up’Arry became one of his most recognisable horses after winning at the Cheltenham Festival in 2024.
• The Jukebox Man delivered Redknapp his biggest racing success by winning the 2025 King George VI Chase.
• Redknapp has owned or co-owned horses across both Flat and National Hunt racing.
• His racing involvement has continued to expand since his retirement from football management.

Biography Table

Harry Redknapp’s Connection to Horse Racing

Harry Redknapp‘s relationship with racing goes back much further than his celebrity status.

Growing up in Poplar, East London, Redknapp was exposed to racing through his grandmother, Maggie Brown. She was a bookmaker’s runner and became an important influence on his early interest in the sport. Redknapp has spoken about being fascinated by racing from a young age.

That interest remained with him while he built his football career.

Even during his years as a professional player and manager, racing remained part of Redknapp’s life. His involvement eventually developed from following races and having occasional bets into owning racehorses.

The progression is significant because Redknapp is not simply a former football manager who occasionally appears at major meetings. Racing has become a serious long-term interest and an important part of his life.

When Did Harry Redknapp Start Owning Racehorses?

Redknapp’s ownership journey stretches back several decades. Racing Post describes his first significant breakthrough as an owner with Slick Cherry in 1990, while later accounts trace his active involvement to his football-management years.

Over the years, he has experienced almost every side of ownership: winners, defeats, promising young horses and the uncertainty that comes with National Hunt racing.

That long experience helps explain why Redknapp is now regarded within racing as a genuine owner rather than simply a famous football personality with an interest in horses.

Famous Harry Redknapp Horses

Redknapp has been associated with a number of racehorses throughout his ownership career. Some have become particularly memorable because of their performances at major meetings.

The Jukebox Man

The Jukebox Man is arguably the most important horse in Redknapp’s ownership career.

Trained by Ben Pauling, the horse developed into a leading National Hunt performer and produced a landmark victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton in December 2025. That success gave Redknapp his biggest victory in racing.

The victory was especially meaningful because the King George is one of Britain’s most prestigious jumps races. Redknapp has compared the importance of the race to the Champions League in football.

The Jukebox Man also had a notable Cheltenham Festival record before reaching the highest level. He finished narrowly second in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the 2024 Festival before continuing his progression over fences.

The Jukebox Man’s major milestones

In March 2026, The Jukebox Man went on to contest the Cheltenham Gold Cup, giving Redknapp another opportunity at the highest level of National Hunt racing.

Shakem Up’Arry

Shakem Up’Arry is another horse closely associated with Redknapp.

The horse became particularly popular because of its distinctive name and its connection with the football manager. More importantly, it delivered a major result at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, winning the Plate Handicap Chase.

The Cheltenham success was important because the Festival represents one of the biggest stages in British jump racing.

For Redknapp, the victory was also a reminder that the long-term process of owning horses can eventually produce moments that rival the excitement of football.

Back On The Lash

Redknapp has also been involved with horses competing in high-profile races outside the Cheltenham championship events.

One example is Back On The Lash, which Redknapp co-owned with three other owners. The horse competed in the 2023 Grand National but did not complete the race after being pulled up at the 26th fence.

Its Grand National appearance demonstrates the range of Redknapp’s ownership interests. His horses have not been restricted to one particular type of race or one major meeting.

Moviesta

Another notable name from Redknapp’s ownership history is Moviesta, a smart sprinter mentioned by Great British Racing as one of the useful horses he has owned.

Moviesta is significant because it shows that Redknapp’s racing interests have included Flat racing as well as National Hunt horses.

Harry Redknapp and National Hunt Racing

In recent years, Redknapp’s profile has become particularly associated with National Hunt racing.

National Hunt racing includes hurdles and steeplechases and is central to some of Britain’s biggest racing events, including the Cheltenham Festival and King George VI Chase.

Many of Redknapp’s best-known recent horses have been jumpers. His association with trainer Ben Pauling has been particularly important, with several horses from his ownership group based at the trainer’s Gloucestershire yard.

This focus has allowed Redknapp to become increasingly familiar to racing audiences beyond his established football following.

Harry Redknapp’s Racing Colours

Redknapp’s racing identity is also recognisable through his colours.

Great British Racing reported that he chose blue, red and white for his racing colours, reflecting an attempt to acknowledge his connections with the football clubs he had represented or managed.

It is a small but revealing detail. Football remains part of Redknapp’s identity, yet his racing operation has developed its own character.

Who Trains Harry Redknapp’s Horses?

Several trainers have been associated with Redknapp’s horses over the years.

Ben Pauling has become particularly important in his recent National Hunt operation. The Jukebox Man and Shakem Up’Arry are among the horses linked with the trainer.

Redknapp has also worked with other trainers. In 2026, for example, Kaiser Ball was registered as part of a four-owner group that included Redknapp and was set to join Dan Skelton’s operation.

This illustrates an important point about racehorse ownership: an owner does not train the horse personally. Trainers, jockeys, stable staff, veterinarians and other professionals all contribute to preparing a horse for competition.

Harry Redknapp’s Biggest Racing Achievement

The standout achievement so far is The Jukebox Man’s victory in the 2025 King George VI Chase.

For an owner, winning the King George is an exceptional achievement. It is one of the most important races in the British National Hunt calendar and attracts some of the best steeplechasers in the sport.

The victory was especially significant for Redknapp because it came after decades of involvement in racing. The story was not one of instant celebrity success; it was the culmination of years of ownership, setbacks and persistence.

His 2024 Cheltenham success with Shakem Up’Arry was another major milestone, but The Jukebox Man elevated his ownership profile to an even higher level.

Why Horse Racing Matters to Harry Redknapp

Redknapp’s love of racing is closely connected to his upbringing.

His grandmother’s involvement in betting introduced him to the sport, and that fascination stayed with him throughout his football career. He has described racing as a major passion, and his continued involvement after retiring from football management demonstrates how important it has become.

There is also a natural connection between football and racing for someone like Redknapp.

Both sports involve:

• Competition
• Strategy
• Preparation
• Risk
• Teamwork
• Pressure
• Unpredictable outcomes

But racing has also given Redknapp a different kind of sporting experience. Instead of watching from the touchline as a manager, he can experience the excitement of owning a horse as it approaches the start of a major race.

Harry Redknapp Horses: Current Racing Picture

Redknapp’s ownership interests continue to develop rather than ending with The Jukebox Man’s major victories.

Recent racing records show horses registered under Redknapp’s ownership and partnerships, while his involvement has extended to new trainers and purchases. For example, Kaiser Ball became part of a partnership involving Redknapp in 2026.

At the same time, individual horses can leave the spotlight because of injury, retirement or changes in their racing careers.

That is particularly important when discussing current racehorses. A horse’s status can change quickly, so historical achievements are generally more stable information than predictions about future races.

What Makes Harry Redknapp’s Racing Story Interesting?

There are several reasons Redknapp’s racing journey continues to attract attention.

A lifelong passion

His interest began in childhood rather than after he became famous.

A long ownership history

Redknapp has been involved with racehorses for decades and has experienced both success and disappointment.

Major victories

Shakem Up’Arry’s Cheltenham win and The Jukebox Man’s King George success are among the defining moments of his ownership career.

A genuine connection to the sport

His continued investment in horses, trainers and racing yards demonstrates a commitment that goes beyond occasional celebrity appearances.

Football and racing overlap

Redknapp’s public identity as a football manager makes his transition into serious racehorse ownership particularly interesting to sports fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many horses does Harry Redknapp own?

The number changes as horses are bought, sold, retired or added to partnerships. Redknapp has owned or co-owned numerous horses during several decades in racing, so there is no permanent number that accurately describes his stable.

What is Harry Redknapp’s most famous horse?

The Jukebox Man is arguably his most famous recent horse. Its victory in the 2025 King George VI Chase represented the biggest win of Redknapp’s ownership career.

What happened to Shakem Up’Arry?

Shakem Up’Arry became a Cheltenham Festival winner in 2024, taking the Plate Handicap Chase. The horse subsequently became an important part of Redknapp’s racing story and was later retired from racing.

Who trains The Jukebox Man?

The Jukebox Man has been trained by Ben Pauling, who has been an important figure in Redknapp’s recent National Hunt operation.

Did Harry Redknapp have a horse in the Grand National?

Yes. Redknapp co-owned Back On The Lash, which competed in the 2023 Grand National. The horse was pulled up during the race and did not finish.

Why is Harry Redknapp interested in horse racing?

His interest began during childhood, largely through his grandmother Maggie Brown, who worked as a bookmaker’s runner in London’s East End. He maintained that passion throughout his football career and eventually became a racehorse owner.

Has Harry Redknapp won a major horse race?

Yes. His horses have won important races, including Shakem Up’Arry’s 2024 Cheltenham Festival victory and The Jukebox Man’s 2025 King George VI Chase.

Is Harry Redknapp still involved in horse racing?

Yes. His ownership interests have continued into 2026, including involvement in new horses and partnerships.

Conclusion

The story behind Harry Redknapp horses is much deeper than the image of a famous football manager enjoying a day at the races. His interest began in childhood, stayed with him through his football career and eventually developed into decades of racehorse ownership.

Horses such as Shakem Up’Arry, Back On The Lash and, most notably, The Jukebox Man have helped define different stages of his racing journey. The Jukebox Man’s 2025 King George VI Chase victory was the clearest indication yet of how far Redknapp’s passion for racing has taken him.

For Redknapp, horse racing represents both a continuation of a lifelong interest and a new sporting chapter. His story demonstrates that his connection with racing is not simply a consequence of celebrity. It is a long-running passion built on years of following horses, owning them, supporting trainers and experiencing the extraordinary highs and lows that make the sport so compelling.

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